TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2014
/CNW/ - The union representing workers at the Ontario Disability
Support Plan (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) says the government was
warned months ago that the new computer system was flawed and would
cause chaos in the programs.
In response to a report from the CBC, Warren (Smokey) Thomas,
President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, says his union
told the government that the new computer system, which was implemented
Nov. 12, 2014, had too many flaws and would badly affect both the workers and the recipients whose lives depend on social assistance.
"The government has spent four years and $250 million dollars
on this system," Thomas said. "All it has accomplished so far is havoc
in the offices, overpayments to recipients and now there's a possibility
some may not receive any money prior to the holidays. It's a total mess
and could have been avoided if the government had listened to the
workers instead of relying on software consultants."
Workers have reported massive problems across the province since the new
computer system was implemented. Thomas said he is sending a letter to
the Minister of Community and Social Services in the next few days
asking her to immediately revert back to the old computer system until
the problems are fixed.
"Half of the 52 First Nations agencies have been permitted to 'opt out'
of the new system and are still running on the old software, which
works," Thomas said. "The old system is still operating, reliable, and
can be used while this new system has the numerous problems eliminated.
There are real, live people depending on this…they shouldn't be held
hostage because the government won't admit they implemented a faulty
computer program."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
For further information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas 1-800-268-7376, Roxanne Barnes (416) 809-2791, Tara Langford (613) 812-1970
Source: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1455355/government-was-warned-new-social-assistance-payment-system-flawed-opseu
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